Am I going deaf?

[John Jacob]

I just tried the hearing test on this website: http://www.freemosquitoringtones.org/hearing_test/

The concept is that as our ears age, we lose the ability to hear higher frequencies. On the hearing test, I could only hear up to 10 KHz, even using the maximum volume setting on my Macbook. But on the home page, I see this information:

• 8khz - Everyone
• 10khz - 60 & Younger
• 12khz - 50 & Younger
• 14khz - 49 & Younger
• 15khz - 39 & Younger
• 16khz - 30 & Younger
• 17khz - 24 & Younger

But I am only 31, and I can't even hear 12KHz. Am I going deaf? Should I go visit a doctor?

I don't generally listen to loud music, and I very rarely wear headphones. Advice needed.

 

[Drumjim85]

this test is only as accurate as the speakers / setup you're listening on.

i wouldn't trust this, but if you're worried it wouldn't hurt to see a doctor.

 

[r.j.s]

I wouldn't put too much thought into that. If you are having trouble hearing, or are worried about it, by all means see a doctor.

 

[Dmac77]

I'm going to agree with Drumjim85 and r.j.s.. Tis kind of tests usually aren't accurate, and if you are actually worried about your hearing, I would go see a doctor. They can help you more then people on the internet can.

Don

 

[r.j.s]

They can help you more then people on the internet can.

Don

I call BS.

Take a picture of your ear and post it here, we'll tell you if you're deaf or not.

 

[EricNau]

If you have reason to believe you have difficulties hearing, speak to your doctor, who may the refer you to an ENT or audiologist for further testing.

If you were perfectly content with your hearing until this internet test, think nothing of it.

 

[yellow]

IAm I going deaf?

WHAT?!



Sorry, couldn't resist.

I wouldn't worry about that, since you speakers may vary what amount of noise can be carried. I used those for a while as a ring-tone and I was able to hear the 17kHz tones easily, despite being 38. But I AM hard of hearing.

 

[John Jacob]

Thanks, everybody! That's a relief. I can still hear as well as I ever could, with no problems as such, so I guess I'll just go about life for now, and try not to worry about it. But taking this test did have me spooked for a bit.

If you were perfectly content with your hearing until this internet test, think nothing of it.

 

[RedTomato]

I'm already deaf.

Learn sign language, it's fab

And those of you who aren't already deaf, don't worry; your turn will come as you get older

 

[Tomorrow]

Okay, I had to try it - using my iMac, an optical input into my Z-5500's, the volume at a comfortable level, using a digital setting on the speakers, and I could just barely make out the 15 kHz tone, but heard the 14 kHz tone great - and I'm 40.

I agree with the others - a single tone can't really be all that great an indicator of your hearing. Besides, this measures a frequency you can or can't hear, not whether you're losing your hearing in the useful (i.e. voice) frequency range.

If you're getting around day to day without any problems, then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[maclover001]

Can hear all the frequencies through my UMBPs speakers.

 

[c-Row]

But I AM hard of hearing.

If it's the nagging of your significant other you hardly hear, it's not your ears.

 

[Sun Baked]

Probably, I've been yelling at you all day, and you haven't even noticed.

 

[arkitect]

Well my cat heard them all…
She pricked up her ears and started yowling at me.